Mobile

Microsoft Announces Facebook Login APIs on Windows 8

Microsoft says that as part of its ongoing partnership with Facebook, it is announcing Facebook Login APIs on Windows 8/8.1 and Windows Phone 8.

Developers can access documentation and the APIs through Microsoft's Windows App Builder blog now that this Facebook Login for Windows 8 is ready to use in production applications.

The firm expects the beta period to last 60 days (or less), so it is encouraging developers to try it out and provide feedback.

Microsoft says that for developers, seamlessly integrating Facebook Login overcomes one of consumers' largest blockers to trying a new app: getting past an identity screen.

"Every step or interruption between a consumer and the task they want to complete creates friction and engagement drop-off. Some studies show such interruptions can significantly reduce a user's likelihood of signing up for the app," said Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president and chief evangelist, developer platform evangelism, Microsoft.

A study commissioned by Janrain found 92 percent of U.S. respondents leave an experience due to forgotten login information or the need to create a new account. Facebook Login addresses that challenge, and Facebook has documented that the Login function can lead to conversion rates above 70 percent.

"This announcement aligns with Microsoft's ongoing strategy and commitment to make it easier for developers to build rich, connected apps that target both Windows and Windows Phone. Developers can take advantage of Facebook Login to easily unlock the power of Facebook in their apps," explains Guggenheimer.

Facebook Login is a complimentary offering to Microsoft's identity system for consumers, Microsoft Account, which is used to authenticate on a Windows device, download apps from the Store, and a host of other functions.

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